South Africa's underwhelming performance in the Africa Cup of Nations is still fresh in the minds of many fans. Despite the high expectations that the supporters placed in the team, Mzansi were knocked out by Cameroon in the Round of 16. Ahead of the global showpiece, fans are managing their confidence and hoping the team will surprise them with a good performance.
The Brazilians head coach has offered a glass-half-full assessment of South Africa’s chances at the upcoming quadrennial tournament. As Hugo Broos' men prepare to return to the global stage in North America, the Portuguese tactician believes the national team has the quality to progress beyond the opening round.
'Nyoso', as he is commonly referred to, played a crucial role in helping his team advance to the quarter-final of the Libyan Cup on Sunday afternoon at the Misrata Stadium as his team secured a 4-1 victory. It was another impressive outing for the former Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns attacker, who has been excellent since his move to North Africa.
The former Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates star has continued from where he stopped while with Wydad Athletic Club in the Botola Pro league. He was on target on Sunday afternoon as the 39-year-old South African tactician guided the Libyan heavyweights to a big win in his debut in the North African country.
Following a less-than-convincing 2025 Africa Cup of Nations campaign for Bafana Bafana, it comes as little surprise that the Belgian mentor is having second thoughts about stepping away, with plenty of work still to be done. And with no clear successor identified, it remains to be seen, as a former Buccaneers coach believes the Belgian has done a solid job so far and maintains that the final decision rests between the coach and the South African Football Association.
The South Africa national team coach is already shaping the final squad he plans to take to the global football showpiece. After a few surprise selections during the recent FIFA international break, more shocking decisions could still be on the way as he finalises his squad.
After initial struggles, the Mamelodi Sundowns star has rediscovered his form and become an important figure for his club. His rejuvenation saw him get called up to the Bafana Bafana team, and should he keep his form, his chances of going to the global showpiece are almost assured. Although Hugo Broos has numerous options for the midfield department, he has been asked to deploy the two Downs stars together.
The Sekhukhune United goalkeeper endured a tough introduction as South Africa fell to defeat in a recent international friendly at the DHL Cape Town Stadium. The shot-stopper has come under fire for his role in the loss, but former Premier Soccer League goalkeeper Amon Phophi believes the blame lies elsewhere.
As Masandawana chase the Premier Soccer League and the CAF Champions League glory, they have to deal with a congested calendar. Given that some of their players form the backbone of the national team, it means they had a limited rest during the international break. Broos was asked whether he was going to consider Downs' calendar, and he said that was not his problem.
The Masandawana star is at the sunset of his career, while the Bucs' forward has just begun his career. There has been a raging debate on who will eventually succeed Mshishi given how the experienced playmaker has been influential, especially for his club. President Yama 2000 has shown signs he is ready to step up, but is the debate on who is better coming at the right time?
Although it was a night to forget for South Africa, the Chicago Fire defender stood out. It was his first goal for the national team, and this came as he continues to solidify his position with Hugo Broos' setup. After the goal, the former Orlando Pirates star hopes to have more positive impact for the Bafana going forward.
Football lovers in the country will have a rare opportunity to cheer for their own in the forthcoming global competition to be co-hosted by Mexico, Canada, and the United States. This is the first time in nearly a quarter-century that the National Team qualified for the prestigious tournament. They are in Group A alongside Mexico, the Czech Republic, and South Korea.
Hugo Broos sees the Sea Robbers' youngster as a creative player who can have a major impact behind the strikers, a role Mshishi has been playing for South Africa. The 21-year-old has made an impact for the Soweto giants when being placed centrally as opposed to wide areas.
South Africa struggled to take their chances in the recent two international friendly outings against Panama, where they drew 1-1 and lost 2-1 respectively. Lyle Foster and Evidence Makgopa were not convincing just two months before the 2026 FIFA World Cup to be co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
South African football legend Mlungisi "Professor" Ngubane has launched a scathing attack on Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos, questioning both his technical setup and recent squad selections. With the FIFA World Cup on the horizon, the iconic former playmaker believes the current trajectory could lead to national humiliation.
The retired South African defender has urged fans to remain patient with the Bafana head coach, backing his long-term vision despite a disappointing friendly defeat to Panama and expressing confidence that the team is still on the right path towards the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
